Brian McCann begins minor league assignment Friday

Soon the Braves will welcome back Brian McCann. Before McCann returns to Atlanta he will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Rome on Friday night.

McCann missed the beginning of the season due to his wrist but he is now ready to being his season. The Braves figure to limit the amount of minor league games for McCann and bring him up to the majors as soon as possible.

Last year McCann had his worst offensive season hitting just .230 with 20 home runs.

With McCann out of action the Braves have employed Evan Gattis and Gerald Laird behind the plate. Gattis has responded well to his first taste of the majors compiling a .246/.309/.607 line with 6 home runs in his first 17 games. Laird who has gotten the smaller portion of playing time is currently hitting .320 after eight appearances.

The Braves placed Jason Heyward on the disabled list after the outfielder underwent an appendectomy. Should McCann arrive in the majors before Heyward is healthy it is possible that the Braves would play Gattis in the outfield.